# soliciting

/səˈɫɪsətɪŋ/ (US) · /səlˈɪsɪtɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/soliciting
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

to ask someone for something, such as money, help, or information. You often see this word in business or legal situations.

For teachers: to request or entreat someone for something, such as assistance, information, or financial contributions. Often carries a formal or professional tone; in legal contexts, it may refer specifically to offering services for sale or requesting immoral acts.

## Examples

- The charity is soliciting donations for the new hospital.
- The committee spent the afternoon soliciting feedback from local residents regarding the proposed park renovations.
- By soliciting expert testimony from various fields, the investigative team ensured that their final report would be both comprehensive and scientifically sound.

## Pitfalls

- Not "soliciting for donations" but "soliciting donations" — Solicit is a transitive verb; it takes the object directly without the preposition 'for'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically takes a direct object representing the thing being requested.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.